With the season approaching the halfway mark and some teams looking to tinker with their lineups, trade rumors have continued to spread in the NBA.
Some of the bigger names being thrown around are Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans, Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks, Cameron Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets, Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks, Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz and Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls.
Among them, LaVine is having arguably the most consistent campaign. The high-flying guard is averaging a team-high 22.1 points on 50.6% shooting, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
His versatile offensive game can help a lot of middling squads. But according to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, teams aren't keen on acquiring LaVine.
"He's having an excellent year," said Windhorst on his "The Hoop Collective" podcast. "We know that he's been on the trade block for a year now, at least.
"Yet I hear nothing about LaVine on the trade market, and I don't think it's because the Bulls aren't interested in trading him."
Windhorst posited that the 29-year-old's hefty salary could be a factor. He signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in 2022 and is set to earn $43 million this season.
There's also his history of injuries. The two-time All-Star only played 25 games last season due to a broken foot. Since entering the NBA in 2014, he has only suited up in at least 70 games thrice.
"Zach LaVine is playing well enough to be traded, and if this was two years ago, not just with his contract, I think he would have a good chance to be traded," added Windhorst.
Early in the season, the Los Angeles Lakers were heavily linked to LaVine. The interest, however, has purportedly become lukewarm.
The Bulls, meanwhile, are struggling with a 10-15 record, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers, 108-100, on Sunday.
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This story was originally published December 10, 2024, 4:22 AM.